Lincoln Restaurant Is Closing at the End of December

The Lincoln Restaurant, a North Center fixture since 1970, is closing at the end of the month as its owners retire.
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DNAinfo/Patty Wetli

NORTH CENTER — It's last call for an Honest Abe Burger at the Lincoln Restaurant, set to close for good at the end of the month.

"We're retiring," said owner Tony Athans, who had no additional comment beyond, "I'm not going to do any stories."

He wouldn't confirm whether the restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln Ave., had been sold or not, nor has the Lincoln's final day been announced.

The Greek diner with the Civil War-themed menu has been a fixture in North Center since 1970, with its enormous Abraham Lincoln sign one of the neighborhood's most recognizable landmarks.

News of the closure caught a number of folks off guard.

The future of Banjo Night, held every Monday at the Lincoln, is up in the air. And the organization Northside Democracy for America, which had its January meeting set for the 14th at the Lincoln, is now scrambling to find a new location.

Lincoln Lodge, a weekly stand-up comedy showcase held inside the Lincoln Restaurant since 2000, is now also searching for new digs.

The comedy series is going out with a bang: Tickets are available for "The Blackout Diaries," Saturday and Dec. 28; and the Lincoln Lodge variety show, Dec. 27.

In an email to followers, Lincoln Lodge called on fans to "join us one more time and enjoy the special bacon-infused, naugahyde luxury of what will always be our spiritual home!"